I forgot something when responding to the question of any special diets, supplements, etc. during chemo. Here's something: I don't drink alcohol. Ever. This was easy for me as I would have an occasional glass of wine with dinner but nothing beyond that. Think of it this way: all organs of the body need to prepare for the fight. The liver will always seek to metabolize alcohol first, thus giving it added work to do. Some friends of mine have come to realize that certain anti-depressants are suspected to interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs as well. Just double check with your doctors on all this.
I had lost a lot of weight after the diagnosis and surgery, so no, no fasting or dieting. I ate what I wanted. My daughter, who is very health and diet conscious, suggested an organic, plant based diet which I do to this day (especially for milk, because 1% milk is my favorite beverage). Here's something else, after the chemo, I would get like this lump in my throat. It would go away, and I felt better after eating! (pretty antithetical). Even on the organ bench, I'd have a bunch of grapes and saltines at the ready. That sensation lasted during the whole chemo time. I didn't play with supplements--too afraid it would disrupt the chemo. Your doctor will let you know if you need anything in that regard. They served lunch in the chemo room. Who would think you'd look forward to that? but I did! Looking back eating was my best ally. There are all kinds of cookbooks for this period of time.
That's so good to hear. I know everybody is different, but it's nice to hear a story about someone who was able to enjoy food during chemo. Everything I've been told so far is that nausea, vomiting, and food aversion are the norm.
I forgot something when responding to the question of any special diets, supplements, etc. during chemo. Here's something: I don't drink alcohol. Ever. This was easy for me as I would have an occasional glass of wine with dinner but nothing beyond that. Think of it this way: all organs of the body need to prepare for the fight. The liver will always seek to metabolize alcohol first, thus giving it added work to do. Some friends of mine have come to realize that certain anti-depressants are suspected to interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs as well. Just double check with your doctors on all this.
I had this combo and a few things that stand out. Be careful of the anti-nausea drugs. If you overdo, the constipation can be horrific. Do not take them until you start to feel queasy. I learned this the hard way. Drink A LOT of fluids. Flushes the drugs. There are many other drugs in those bags besides the chemo. Things like Claritin and Zofran (for allergic reactions, nausea) which will you get you through the first two days. I personally took the anti-nausea only on day 3 and part of day four and not at all with the Taxol. However, keep in mind that
a) everyone is different and b) different doctors will use different supplemental drugs, so your experience could differ. Communicate with your infusion nurse, your oncology nurse, and your oncologist.
I will be thinking about you, @dmosssadler . Best of luck!
💐🫂💐
I forgot to mention - I read studies about chemo nausea and fasting and implemented a fasting plan for chemo days that I believe really helped for the nausea. The studies also proposed that it would help the medicine work better, and protect your cells, since your regular cells would be in a resting state due to the fast but the cancer cells won't.
I had lost a lot of weight after the diagnosis and surgery, so no, no fasting or dieting. I ate what I wanted. My daughter, who is very health and diet conscious, suggested an organic, plant based diet which I do to this day (especially for milk, because 1% milk is my favorite beverage). Here's something else, after the chemo, I would get like this lump in my throat. It would go away, and I felt better after eating! (pretty antithetical). Even on the organ bench, I'd have a bunch of grapes and saltines at the ready. That sensation lasted during the whole chemo time. I didn't play with supplements--too afraid it would disrupt the chemo. Your doctor will let you know if you need anything in that regard. They served lunch in the chemo room. Who would think you'd look forward to that? but I did! Looking back eating was my best ally. There are all kinds of cookbooks for this period of time.
Hi there. I planned the dosages in conjunction with my work schedule (worked two jobs throughout). My experience of "dose dense" chemo (same as yours) was pretty good. Got it on Wednesday, good on Thursday, started feeling sick and tired Friday, OK by noon Saturday where I would treat myself to my favorite food, just in time to practice and play church services on Sunday. They gave me Neulasta to protect the WBC count. I know "attitude makes the difference" is an often over used phrase, but it's really true. When I felt really weak and tired, I'd just get up and walk around. It's amazing what that habit can do. I wish you all the best. Believe you can get through this. As one nurse told me "treatment has a beginning time and an ending time" And by all means, drink all the water you can! (ILC, modified radical mastectomy, left: Stage IIIC, dxed 2/13/2019)
Thank you for sharing your experience. Besides a positive attitude and staying active, do you have any more tips for someone who will be starting chemo next week? Did you do any fasting? Eat particular foods? Avoid particular foods? Take certain supplements?
Hi there. I planned the dosages in conjunction with my work schedule (worked two jobs throughout). My experience of "dose dense" chemo (same as yours) was pretty good. Got it on Wednesday, good on Thursday, started feeling sick and tired Friday, OK by noon Saturday where I would treat myself to my favorite food, just in time to practice and play church services on Sunday. They gave me Neulasta to protect the WBC count. I know "attitude makes the difference" is an often over used phrase, but it's really true. When I felt really weak and tired, I'd just get up and walk around. It's amazing what that habit can do. I wish you all the best. Believe you can get through this. As one nurse told me "treatment has a beginning time and an ending time" And by all means, drink all the water you can! (ILC, modified radical mastectomy, left: Stage IIIC, dxed 2/13/2019)
Hello! I want to thank you so very much for responding & sharing your experience with me! It is a lot to take in.
BreastCancer stage 2 with Lymph Node involvement...
Removed 14 nodes & 3 were cancerous. Oncologist said 8 rounds of Chemo & Radiation afterwards.
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I don't drink alcohol either, but I do take sertraline (generic for Zoloft). I'll have to ask my oncologist about any concerns. Thanks for that tip!
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1 ReactionThat's so good to hear. I know everybody is different, but it's nice to hear a story about someone who was able to enjoy food during chemo. Everything I've been told so far is that nausea, vomiting, and food aversion are the norm.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI forgot something when responding to the question of any special diets, supplements, etc. during chemo. Here's something: I don't drink alcohol. Ever. This was easy for me as I would have an occasional glass of wine with dinner but nothing beyond that. Think of it this way: all organs of the body need to prepare for the fight. The liver will always seek to metabolize alcohol first, thus giving it added work to do. Some friends of mine have come to realize that certain anti-depressants are suspected to interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs as well. Just double check with your doctors on all this.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had this combo and a few things that stand out. Be careful of the anti-nausea drugs. If you overdo, the constipation can be horrific. Do not take them until you start to feel queasy. I learned this the hard way. Drink A LOT of fluids. Flushes the drugs. There are many other drugs in those bags besides the chemo. Things like Claritin and Zofran (for allergic reactions, nausea) which will you get you through the first two days. I personally took the anti-nausea only on day 3 and part of day four and not at all with the Taxol. However, keep in mind that
a) everyone is different and b) different doctors will use different supplemental drugs, so your experience could differ. Communicate with your infusion nurse, your oncology nurse, and your oncologist.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsYou are welcome, @dmosssadler , bless you too!
I saw this thread pop up and remembered you had your first chemo a few days ago.
How are you doing after treatment #1?
Oh wow! Thanks for that information, very helpful..GOD bless you
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2 ReactionsI had lost a lot of weight after the diagnosis and surgery, so no, no fasting or dieting. I ate what I wanted. My daughter, who is very health and diet conscious, suggested an organic, plant based diet which I do to this day (especially for milk, because 1% milk is my favorite beverage). Here's something else, after the chemo, I would get like this lump in my throat. It would go away, and I felt better after eating! (pretty antithetical). Even on the organ bench, I'd have a bunch of grapes and saltines at the ready. That sensation lasted during the whole chemo time. I didn't play with supplements--too afraid it would disrupt the chemo. Your doctor will let you know if you need anything in that regard. They served lunch in the chemo room. Who would think you'd look forward to that? but I did! Looking back eating was my best ally. There are all kinds of cookbooks for this period of time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsThank you for sharing your experience. Besides a positive attitude and staying active, do you have any more tips for someone who will be starting chemo next week? Did you do any fasting? Eat particular foods? Avoid particular foods? Take certain supplements?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello! I want to thank you so very much for responding & sharing your experience with me! It is a lot to take in.
BreastCancer stage 2 with Lymph Node involvement...
Removed 14 nodes & 3 were cancerous. Oncologist said 8 rounds of Chemo & Radiation afterwards.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction